Kicker Drew Lovelace: "It's Been a Very Exciting and Unique Opportunity"

NC State kicker Drew Lovelace met with the media to discuss his new opportunity, the transition from soccer to football, and much more!

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the full press conference!

What have the last two weeks been like for you?

It's been a very exciting and unique opportunity. Especially when, two weeks ago, you wouldn't even think this was possible.

And then out of nowhere, you're playing in Carter-Finley in front of a sold-out stadium. So, it's a very special experience, and I'm really grateful for the opportunity. That's kind of just how I see it.

I'm just enjoying every day that I get this opportunity.

What were you doing between playing that first soccer game and playing now?

I was actually on Indeed looking for some adult jobs once I found out that soccer wasn't an option.

And then it just so happened that they called me on the weekend saying it was a possibility. And so, I came to try out for them on that Monday.

You played in that opener, and then suddenly they're saying you're no longer eligible. What were the emotions, and what was that like?

So, it was definitely frustrating, especially going through preseason with the team. And then playing in that first game, I kind of thought I was over the hump, like I was going to be eligible for the season. And then the next day of training, I found out that I was ineligible.

So, very frustrating. But like I said, reason for everything, God's plan. So, it all works out in the end.

What was that actual moment like, stepping up to the tee for the first time and having a kickoff in that moment?

Well, I mean, it was very surreal. I think it helped that I had no idea that I was doing the opening kickoff until 30 seconds before, when we heard about the coin toss.

So, it all happened very fast. But when I was standing right there, I could look around and soak it in. And it was a very, very enjoyable experience and something I've never experienced before.

What was the process like of learning how to kick off in football rather than kicking a soccer ball?

It's very different, but I'm starting to get a little bit more comfortable with it. It's just different contact points, different techniques.

So, just trying to learn it. But, I mean, like Coach Roper was saying, I've been kicking a ball my entire life. So, there are some aspects that are just going to be natural for me.

You mentioned you were looking up adult jobs. What were some of those that you were maybe trying to apply for?

So, I graduated with a degree in sports management. So, I was looking for anything in sports. There was an assistant athletic director job that I was looking for.

I think I submitted my resume. But once I got this, I don't remember whether I heard back from them.

Are you wearing soccer cleats right now?

Yes. So, these are actually my soccer cleats from the men's team. Once I found out I was kicking here, they reached out to me, and I was able to go pick up a pair.

Because it's just like Coach Roper was saying, anything to feel comfortable. That would help me out.

How important have Coach Roper and Coach Goebbel been to you in this experience?

I mean, they've been super important. I think when you're coming into a new sport you've never played before, having two people constantly supporting you can make it seem like it's not the standard for what a normal ACC kicker is like.

But they've been nothing but supportive and helpful to me. And at the same time, they're driving me to keep getting better. Understand that it's only been two weeks.

It will get better. So, as I said, they've just been crucial for me getting to this point.

Did you practice making a tackle?

I was telling my friends I just wanted to do it for the experience. After that first one, I probably wouldn't want to do it again. But no, I haven't officially practiced tackling.

We were joking that if I did get the chance, I would slide tackle them instead. But we'll see if that comes up.

What's more nerve-wracking, kicking that kickoff, the first one you did, or playing in the national championship for soccer last year?

That's a tough question. I mean, because scenario-wise, it's a bit different. But I think when there are 60,000-some people all cheering because it's the home opener, first play of the game, it's a pretty big moment.

So, yeah, I don't really know how to decide between those two.

How do you feel about your soccer legacy at NC State? And when you left the program, obviously, they're a national power now.

Yeah, I mean, I think I left the program in a pretty good place. I think Coach Hubbard is a big reason for that, the influence he's had. Because I didn't really play too much my first two years.

But just what he's doing with the program and the culture is really setting up for continued success throughout the years. And I'm glad that I was able to be a part of that and get those two years with them.

Coach Doeren has been saying you had trouble putting on your helmet. Is that true?

It wasn't particularly difficult to put the helmet on. I just had never put one on before.

The trouble was with the pads. I did put those on backward a couple of days. But I got the hang of it now. I can get it on in two minutes. So, we're good.